Page 17 of Alien's Love Child

"Your turn again." She traces patterns on the table with her finger. "Any great loves in your past? Someone special waiting for you somewhere?"

My smile falters. Is this a test? The way she's not quite meeting my eyes suggests something more than casual curiosity.

"There was someone, once." I rotate my mug, watching the tea leaves swirl. "Back when I was young and stupid. Mira. She lived next door to my family's estate."

"What happened?"

"Life. Her parents had arranged a marriage with some corporate heir before she was even born. We knew it wouldn't last, but..." I shrug, remembering those stolen moments in the garden, the way her eyes seemed to glow in the moonlight. "You think you can change fate when you're that age."

"Did you try?"

"To what end? She had a duty to her family. I had..." The military. The structure. The escape. "Other paths to follow. Last I heard, she's running her husband's trading empire and has three kids."

"I'm sorry." Jesse's hand twitches, like she wants to reach across the table but thinks better of it.

"Don't be. She's happy. That's what matters." I meet Jesse's gaze, that familiar pull growing stronger. "Besides, sometimes fate has other plans."

The truth of those words settles between us. If I hadn't taken this bounty, if I hadn't tracked her ship... I'd have never found what was actually waiting for me in the universe.

The comfortable silence stretches between us, and I decide to test the waters. "So, what's Dr. Xevran's story? He seems... jumpy."

Jesse's fingers stop their pattern-tracing on the table. Her shoulders tense slightly – most wouldn't notice, but military training makes these tells obvious.

"He's just a doctor looking to help people." She takes another sip of tea, not meeting my eyes. "We're giving him a lift to where he can do more good. He give us free care in exchange."

"Must be some kind of good to need such discrete transport."

"Some places don't make it easy to help people." She shrugs, but her knuckles whiten around her mug. "Sometimes the best intentions get tangled in red tape."

I nod, keeping my expression neutral despite the disappointment settling in my bones. She's still feeding me the cover story. After our shared confidences, the stories, the growing connection – she still doesn't trust me enough for the truth.

"Well, the galaxy needs more good people." The words taste bitter on my tongue. "Especially doctors."

Standing, I stretch, giving her one last chance to open up. "I should try to get some sleep. Thanks for the tea and company."

"Anytime." Her smile is genuine, even if her words weren't. "Sweet dreams, Davin."

Walking back to my quarters, every step feels heavier than the last. The mission should be simple now – she's confirmed she's going ahead with smuggling Xander. But the thought of betraying her trust, even this limited version she's given me, twists something deep in my gut.

Paraxan's snoring welcomes me back to our shared room. I climb into my bunk, the metal frame creaking under my weight. The ceiling offers no more answers than it did hours ago.

CHAPTER 7

JESSE

The metal grating clanks under my boots as I make my way to Xander's quarters. His door slides open before I can knock, revealing his tall frame hunched over a PerComm. The sterile scent of antiseptic wafts from his room, making my nose wrinkle.

"We're about a day's cycle out from Glimner." I lean against the doorframe, keeping my distance. Something about him sets my teeth on edge. "Just wanted to keep you updated."

"Which landing pad?" He pushes his glasses up his nose, not bothering to look at me.

"The one your contact specified."

"You're certain?" Now he does look up, his gaze sharp behind those lenses. "Glimner has seventeen registered landing pads and twenty-three unregistered ones."

"Listen." I straighten up, squaring my shoulders. "I've been doing this since I could walk. Don't question my professionalism. Your job is making sure your contact shows up with the agreed-upon payment."

"They will have sufficient funds." His lips curl into what might be a smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "I assure you."

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